Stop and Frisk, Still in Use Despite Poor Results

The NYPD has gained notoriety over the past decade due to its use of the policing tactic known as SQF or Stop, Question, and Frisk (more commonly known as stop and frisk). The stop and frisk tactic allows police officers to stop anyone on the street or in public who they have a reasonable suspicion might have committed -- or is about to commit -- a crime. While the NYPD has drastically scaled back its use of the tactic, the statistics are staggering and show that it yields a net negative outcome when community perceptions are factored in.

While there are strong proponents on either side of the debate, the numbers seem to show that it is used disproportionately against minorities, wastes resources, and is ineffective (unless used with stops based on "probably cause indicators").

While this may not be what you want to hear, the best thing you can do is be polite and allow them to pat you down. So long as you do not provide evasive answers, get angry with the officer, or resist their search, you should be free to go afterwards (assuming you are not carrying a weapon, illegal drugs, or evidence of a crime).

If you are arrested, use your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.